rhabdomyolysis

noun

rhab·​do·​my·​ol·​y·​sis ˌrab-dō-mī-ˈä-lə-səs 

: the destruction or degeneration of muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) accompanied by the release of breakdown products into the bloodstream and sometimes leading to acute renal failure

Examples of rhabdomyolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the potential adverse reactions have included renal dysfunction, lower leg compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, liver injury, atrial fibrillation, and hepatitis. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Oct. 2024

Tufts is appointing external, independent investigators to review how the players contracted rhabdomyolysis, the publication reported.2 This isn't the first time an athletic team has been connected to rhabdomyolysis. —Korin Miller, Health, 27 Sep. 2024

All five of the Tufts lacrosse players have been released from the hospital after they were diagnosed with a life-threatening muscle condition, rhabdomyolysis, after participating in a Navy SEAL-type workout during practice. —Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024

About 50 players participated in the workout, and nine were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, also known as rhabdo, a condition in which muscles break down and leak their components into the bloodstream. —Meg Tirrell, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

rhabdo- + myo- + -lysis

Note: The term was introduced by Drummond H. Bowden et al., "Acute recurrent rhabdomyolysis (paroxysmal myohaemoglobinuria)," Medicine, vol. 35, issue 4 (December, 1956), pp. 335-54.

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

rhabdomyolysis

noun

rhab·​do·​my·​ol·​y·​sis ˌrab-dō-mī-ˈäl-ə-səs 

plural rhabdomyolyses -ˌsēz 

: the destruction or degeneration of skeletal muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) that is accompanied by the release of muscle cell contents (as myoglobin and potassium) into the bloodstream resulting in hypovolemia, hyperkalemia, and sometimes acute renal failure